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With double-digital growth in overall revenue as well as earnings growth of up to 30 percent in some divisions, there is some pressure on keeping up the expectations. The company’s price earnings multiple in fiscal 2013 was 20 times according to JP Morgan, which estimates that will taper back down to 15 in fiscal 2015.

Organic growth important

Mr Shaw, who is one of the longest-serving chief executives in the sector, is well aware of the expectations of organic growth.

“There may be pressure there but those who do acquisitions for the sake of growth . . . see them come and go.

The reason for his longevity in the business – and he makes no comment about his future – is that he has always accepted change.

His decision to embrace technology has significantly lifted the number of visitors the business gets and has cut marketing costs.

Dreamworld’s Facebook page is now the most visited in Queensland.

“We are investing to become one of Australia’s leading edge digital companies," he said.

“Unlike many traditional retailers digital represents no threat to our ­business but an amazing opportunity to cost effectively market, transact and engage with our customers to build loyalty and intimacy."

In the past year the number of Dreamworld tickets sold online has increased by 35 er cent.

Mr Shaw has also added value by increasing the “dwell time" at family entertainment centres.

This includes things such as offering food in the centres where there previously wasn’t. While its all serious business for Mr Shaw, he still likes to remind people that Ardent is a business “founded on fun".

“We are determined to get very serious about fun, bringing more affordable leisure and entertainment to the mass market," he says.